Friday, March 30, 2012

On the Streets of Paris

As far as I was concerned, there was no good reason for the dearth of skirts and dresses on the streets of Paris yesterday. If one could define a perfect spring day; that's what it was. But still, women were clinging to their jeans and trousers, with one notable exception.

(Inside Monoprix.)

As for trend spotting, this is what I saw: lots of colored jeans and trousers -- electric blue, red, yellow, bright green and even orange. I spotted two orange jackets, both collar-less one cut boxy and short, the other longer with a fluttery sleeve and a cardigan shape, also three sunshine yellow T-shirts, all under jackets. The best in that category you see here.

Thank you for the pictures, Tish -- you've given us much food for thought. First: what should we think about skinny jeans, such in 'Inside Monoprix.' She looks young and is obviously lovely, but on women of a certain age, should we avoid skinny-legged jeans? Also, I see the tanned blonde in the blue dress is wearing sheer tights. Should we be surprised? Is this still a trend in Paris (please tell me it is!) And as great as these particular women look, should we consider hard before wearing faded jeans outside the country?Thanks again for coming up with such a good collection of snaps. I hope all your 'targets' were friendly and kind.

I thank you I love this series and have been missing it.Interesting that yellow tees are popping up in Paris...I was thinking about my recent yellow tee purchase and wondering if it was too soon to wear it.Love these chic and casual looks.

Bright colors are in? That's great news. Parisian women often have a hard time shaking off the blacks/greys at the end of the winter. I am dying to know: Do you ask before you take the shot, then have them walk towards you; or do you ask WHILE taking the shot? Do they ever mind? These women certainly refute the stereotype of the "snooty Parisian"... Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

I'm so happy to see your women on the street pictures returning. For the most part-boots are gone-scarfs are gone -no canvas sneakers-no prints -hose with dresses and skirts -color on the bottom and top-sunglasses, great hairCan we talk about colored jeans on women over 50? Opinions?

Thank you for these, Tish! I know it's not easy, but it is so appreciated. This really motivates me to focus my shopping on jackets. Imagine any of these outfits without the jacket.... And hose! I want hose to come back!

I have never, in all the time I've lived in France, seen basic, i.e. nude/beige/etc. tights. In the winter, as you know, it's the opaques, in summer -- always bare legs.

The young woman in the dress, who is French, had just parked her bicycle and although it was a beautiful day it was a big chilly. That would be my explanation for her tights.

If I see them again on the streets I promise to investigate, at the moment I consider them a teeny blip that is definitely not a trend.

Next, high top Converse shoes are worn by women of just about any age, or, let's say from little girls to women in their 60s.

As I said, it was a bit chilly which made jackets necessary. But, there is nothing like a jacket to pull together and polish a look, particularly with jeans.

Here's what my brilliant stylist friend tells me: faded jeans are not sophisticated for women of a certain age, instead they should be wearing dark, dark blue or black. She also noted colors can be fun on vacation and, of course white is always right.

As for skinny jeans and pants, she maintains they are the most flattering style. They slide nicely over the body without being second skintight when they fit properly and then taper to the thinnest part of the leg thus making the wearer look slimmer.

I don't think we can write off scarves. You see the ballerinas and I'm sure the delicate Bensimon and Converse "tennis" shoes will be back soon. It appears for the most part, boots are in the closet for the duration.

I ALWAYS ask permission to take pictures and then give the women my card. Everyone of these women was charming and friendly which gives me the courage to continue.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and observations. If I've forgotten something, please let me know.

Thank you! Love these on the street posts. Thanks to all the lovely women who say "qui" to you as well,all for our benefit.They all look so comfortable with their looks and themselves. Easy chic...just have to admire them.

What a fun post. Love seeing these women.Skinny jeans are not flattering on me, even when I was young and skinny I had very wide hips and a small waist. It just looks silly (exercise clothes too look very funny on me). It probably is very flattering to most women.I love the colored jeans. If I can find any to fit (tall, wide hips small waist), I will definitely try them. (I am 56).Kathy

Thank you so much for this information, we will be going to Paris in the Fall and this will be my first visit. I have been in a quandry as to what to take and your information is truly helping me, thank you so much,Kathysue